Eden unveiled some of its tastiest treasures for a record number of visiting Consular Generals on Tuesday, February 12. The NSW government’s Regional NSW trade mission saw an entourage of 18 consular trade officials from 15 countries trying out the best of what Eden and the Sapphire Coast has to offer. Upon arrival at Seahorse Inn, delegates were treated to beautiful Boydtown beach views while sampling some of the finest foods Eden and surrounds has to offer. Platters including Balmain bugs, fine meats, seafood and cheeses were on the menu along with a dessert of high tea which could all be washed down with Longstocking Brewery’s locally crafted ale. Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said the regional NSW trade mission, the third in 12 months, is part of a targeted investment strategy that is placing regional NSW front of mind for international and interstate investors. The purpose of the delegation was for consular trade officials to learn about the regions skilled workforce, innovative businesses and tourism sectors. The delegation included officials from countries such as Austria, Germany, Japan, Ireland and the United States among others. Port Authority of NSW Cruise Development Manager, Natalie Godward said the diplomats were the first to try “A Taste of Eden” – a new joint venture between Eden’s food businesses. “This is the first time this kind of sampling of Eden has been done before. It is the best way to sample our exquisite foods. It is exciting for Eden and the Sapphire Coast, “ Ms Godward said Consul General of Argentina Hector Raul Pelaez said the tour had given him a chance to leave the city and experience Australia through the eyes of regional Australians. “Everything is so different away from the city, we get a chance to taste and see the economic production of different areas. Every area has it’s own flavour and peculiarities.” Mr Palaez said he was impressed by Eden’s fishing industry and enjoyed sampling the seafood that was on offer during the lunch. “I tried Balmain bugs for the first time. They had an interesting taste with a fine meat. They were quite a delicacy,” Mr Pelaez said. Owen Feeney Consul General of Ireland who also tried deep sea bugs for the first time said he was impressed by Eden’s local produce which he called “first class” Looking out over the Boydtown beach Mr Feeney said Eden really was living up to its magnificent name. Mr Feeney said he saw the tour as a welcome opportunity to leave Sydney and experience remote parts of the state, which he normally doesn’t have a chance to get to. “This place has so much to offer being surrounded by national parks in an unspolit area. It is the kind of place that I would direct people to. If I hadn’t experienced it for myself I wouldn’t have known about it,” Mr Feeney said. After the lunch the seemingly satisfied diplomats boarded the bus for their next Eden adventure, whale watching. Other destinations around Eden to be visited included the Eden Breakwater Wharf and the Bundian Way Experience.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said the regional NSW trade mission, the third in 12 months, is part of a targeted investment strategy that is placing regional NSW front of mind for international and interstate investors.

The purpose of the delegation was for consular trade officials to learn about the regions skilled workforce, innovative businesses and tourism sectors.

The delegation included officials from countries such as Austria, Germany, Japan, Ireland and the United States among others.

Port Authority of NSW Cruise Development Manager, Natalie Godward said the diplomats were the first to try “A Taste of Eden” – a new joint venture between Eden’s food businesses.

“This is the first time this kind of sampling of Eden has been done before. It is the best way to sample our exquisite foods. It is exciting for Eden and the Sapphire Coast, “ Ms Godward said

“I tried Balmain bugs for the first time. They had an interesting taste with a fine meat. They were quite a delicacy,” Mr Pelaez said.

Owen Feeney Consul General of Ireland who also tried deep sea bugs for the first time said he was impressed by Eden’s local produce which he called “first class”

Looking out over the Boydtown beach Mr Feeney said Eden really was living up to its magnificent name.

Local deep sea bugs were tasted for the first time by many of the diplomats. Picture: Rachel Mounsey

Mr Feeney said he saw the tour as a welcome opportunity to leave Sydney and experience remote parts of the state, which he normally doesn’t have a chance to get to.

“This place has so much to offer being surrounded by national parks in an unspolit area. It is the kind of place that I would direct people to. If I hadn’t experienced it for myself I wouldn’t have known about it,” Mr Feeney said.

After the lunch the seemingly satisfied diplomats boarded the bus for their next Eden adventure, whale watching.

Other destinations around Eden to be visited included the Eden Breakwater Wharf and the Bundian Way Experience.

NSW Port Authority Cruise Development Manager, Natalie Godward being filmed by the NSW Government film crew at Boydtown. Picture: Rachel Mounsey